Is Subaru secretly making a hybrid AWD sports car?

Subaru is reportedly testing an experimental, mid-engined, hybrid all-wheel drive prototype vehicle at its proving grounds in Toichigi, Japan. A source close to the car maker revealed the information to Car and Driver, also adding that the complex prototype was based on a Subaru BRZ.

But unlike the rear-wheel drive BRZ, the prototype is said to feature a mid-mounted 1.6 litre turbocharged boxer engine that drives the rear wheels and two electric motors that power the front wheels – forming a hybrid all-wheel drive system. The new Subaru Global Platform is also said to be in play here.

The configuration may sound entirely new to Subaru, but it is suggested that the car maker could be fiddling with a reversed version of its Viziv Future Concept model’s powertrain. If you recall, the concept featured a turbocharged engine that drove the front wheels and two electric motors that powered the rear wheels.

However, while the publication says that the current prototype is being tested on a heavily modified BRZ, it is hard to say which model exactly Subaru could be developing these items for – be it for the next-gen BRZ or something entirely new.

The report concluded by saying that a concept vehicle with these technologies will only be up for public viewing in a matter of two years’ time, during which Subaru will be keen to gauge public feedback on whether or not is should develop its most radical vehicle yet.

With an equal passion for fast cars and everyday workhorses, Chris Aaron maintains a passion for European makes, Formula 1, playing the electric guitar and spending endless hours on the PlayStation - first-person shooters and the Gran Turismo franchise are his favourites. He also finds it strange to have written this in the third person.

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